Identification of War Victims From Mass Graves in Croatia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina by the Use of Standard Forensic Methods and DNA Typing

• NCJ Number: 165768
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 41 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1996) Pages: 891-894
• Author(s): D Primorac; S Andelinovic; M Definis-Gojanovic; I Drmic; B Rezic; M M Baden; M A Kennedy; M S Schanfield; S B Skakel; H C Lee
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented in part at the International Forensic Science Symposium, 1994, Taipei, Taiwan

Annotation

Postmortem remains of 61 war victims were excavated from six mass graves in Bosnia and Herzegovina 1.5 years after interment.

Abstract

Samples of long bones and teeth were collected for DNA analysis at the time of autopsy. Using standard identification methods, including the matching of medical and dental records, the recognition of distinguishing characteristics such as the use of clothing and belongings, and video superimposition, 35 persons were identified. DNA typing was performed, and results from DNA typing were confirmed by other methods. It was found that all remains were in an advanced state of decomposition. DNA profiles of family members of 150 missing persons are being developed, and the DNA profiles will be compared with those generated from bone and teeth remains of 26 unidentified victims. 15 references and 1 figure